With the eyes of New York on him Tuesday night Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl put on a Broadway-worthy performance.

The 19-year-old native of the Czech Republic tied a franchise record with four goals to lead the Sharks to a 9-2 rout of the New York Rangers. And he capped his scoring outburst with a nifty between-the-legs drop pass to himself that left backup netminder Martin Biron flummoxed.

"He's a passionate young man and I'm not even sure if he realizes where he is" Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "He's innocent out there."

The only other Shark to score four goals was Owen Nolan against the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 19 1995. And Hertl's accomplishment came in just his third NHL game.

"That was special" Sharks captain Joe Thornton said of his linemate's performance. "You don't see that very often."

Hertl was the star but he had a strong supporting cast on a night that might prove costly to the Rangers for reasons that go beyond the two points as star New York forward Rick Nash left the game early after taking a Brad Stuart elbow.

Matt Nieto San Jose's less-heralded rookie also celebrated his first NHL tally and picked up two assists while veterans Logan Couture Dan Boyle Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun also found the back of the net. Joe Pavelski and Jason Demers each had three assists.

San Jose goalie Antti Niemi gave up goals to Rangers forwards Brad Richards and Derek Dorsett while making 18 saves for his third straight win.

The Sharks were able to take advantage of the fact the Rangers are on an extended trip and had played the night before in Los Angeles.

"It's hard to play back-to-back games early in the year and they've been on the road for a long time" McLellan said. "They have a new coach they played against a heavy team last night in L.A. We had a game plan to go after them."